Alexander Rossi Joins AirAsia Team Lotus Driver Development Program

Alexander Rossi was today announced as one of the drivers that have been accepted onto the AirAsia Team Lotus Driver Development Program.

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American racer takes another step toward his goal

Alexander Rossi aims for Formula One

The AirAsia Team Lotus Driver Development Program was launched today in Malaysia with the aim of nurturing driver talent from across Malaysia, Asia, Europe, North America and throughout the world. The program covers racing in a range of formulae from karting up to World Series by Renault and is designed to provide aspiring young racing drivers with the support required to make it to the top level of motorsport.

My racing goal from a young age has always been to reach F1.

Alexander Rossi

The Program will use the expertise within AirAsia and Team Lotus to help nurture and support the drivers through a combination of career guidance, coaching and sponsorship procurement. The Program will also focus on the vital elements of fitness and nutrition, and will provide the drivers with the same physical and mental training as their F1 counterparts to ensure their race preparation is perfect.

Alexander and the other drivers on the Program will be given an in-depth insight into the inner workings of the Team Lotus F1 team - from vehicle dynamics to simulators - giving them a thorough understanding of the relationship between them and the cars they compete in. All elements of the Program have been carefully designed to give the drivers the skills, knowledge and experience required to give them the best chance of succeeding in their goals of becoming F1 champions of the future.

Alexander Rossi drives the Team Lotus F1 car during a street demo

Photo by: LAT Photographic

Alex Yoong, Head of the AirAsia Team Lotus Driver Development Program commented; "We are very pleased to have Alexander as part of our Program. He has a strong racing CV and win percentage and has already achieved some significant results including the 2008 Formula BMW World Championship. Alexander is the most senior of the drivers in the Program with a lot of experience at several top levels of racing. We at the AirAsia Team Lotus Driver Development Program have high expectations and belief in him, which is highlighted by his involvement in today's run in the Team Lotus F1 car."

Alexander Rossi commented; "It is a real privilege to be part of the Air Asia Team Lotus Driver Development Program in its first year. There's a lot of enthusiasm in the Program and I am very excited to be working with talented and experienced motorsport professionals such as Alex Yoong."

Alexander Rossi continued; "My racing goal from a young age has always been to reach F1. While the process is about hard work and commitment, it is also my life and I am enjoying the journey, step by step. This weekend's demonstration run will be my second visit behind the wheel of an F1 car and my first street festival and promotional event and I'd like to thank the team for giving me the chance to take part."